Early Saxifrage
Micranthes virginiensis
Click or tap the section titles below to learn more about this species!
CLASSIFICATION: What’s in a name?
Scientific Name: Micranthes virginiensis. The genus Micranthes comes from the Greek mikros (small) and anthos (flower). The epithet, virginiensis, is derived from Latin and means “of Virginia”. Can you think of any other organisms named after Virginia?3
Common Name: Early Saxifrage. Early refers to its bloom time in early spring, and the word saxifrage means “rock breaker”, derived from the Latin saxum (rock) and frangere (to break). The name refers to their habit of growing on rock outcrops, appearing to be “breaking” out of the rock.
Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage family). A large family of around 600 species, found worldwide. Those found in Virginia are perennial herbs with 4 or 5 petaled flowers and leaves which usually have toothed margins and are most often best developed at the base of the plant.1
IDENTIFICATION: What does it look like?
Average Height: 2-15 inches
Description: A small perennial herb with a rosette of rounded or oval-shaped leaves with toothed edges, and one (or sometimes a few) leafless stems bearing rounded clusters of small white flowers with 5 petals.1
Bloom time: Mar-May
Notes: This is a rather unique species in the Piedmont. Other members of the genus Micranthes can be found in Virginia’s mountains.
LOCATION: Where is it at home?
Range: Widespread and fairly common in Virginia, but considered rare in both the far southwestern and eastern parts of the state. Ranges from the northeastern United States and eastern Canada south to Georgia and Alabama and west to Missouri and Arkansas.2,5
Geology/Soil: Found on a wide variety of geologic substrates, usually in thin or rocky soil.
Habitat: Cliffs, rock outcrops, mossy streambanks, and patches of thin, gravelly or mossy soil in forests.
CONNECTIONS: What are its relationships to other plants, animals, and humans?
Flora associations: Grows with a wide variety of plant species. At Riverview Park, it can be found alongside American alumroot (Heuchera americana), star chickweed (Stellaria pubera), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), yellow trout lily (Erythronium americanum ssp. americanum), ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), and the parasitic cancer-root (Aphyllon uniflorum), for which it serves as a host plant.
Fauna associations: The flowers are pollinated by bees, including the Carlinville mining bee (Andrena carlini) and Osmia taurus.4
Human associations: none found.
We want these plants to thrive and for everyone who gets to visit the park to enjoy them, so remember – don’t pick flowers or other parts of the plant!!
Bibliography & Definitions
1 Weakley, A.S., J.C. Ludwig, and J.F. Townsend. 2012. Flora of Virginia. Bland Crowder, ed. Foundation of the Flora of Virginia Project, Inc., Richmond. Fort Worth: Botanical Research Institute of Texas Press.
2 “2013 BONAP North American Plant Atlas. TaxonMaps.” Bonap.net, bonap.net/Napa/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Micranthes. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024.
3 Bebeau, G.D. “Eastern Swamp Saxifrage, Micranthes Pensylvanica (L.) Haw.” Friendsofeloisebutler.org, 2014, friendsofeloisebutler.org/pages/plants/swampsaxifrage.html. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024.
4 “Saxifrage Virginiensis (Floral Visitors).” Www.illinoiswildflowers.info, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/flower_insects/plants/early_saxifrage.html. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024.
5 Virginia Botanical Associates. “Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora | Micranthes Virginiensis (Michaux) Small.” Www.vaplantatlas.org, www.vaplantatlas.org/index.php?do=plant&plant=3498&search=Search. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024.
Definitions:
Rosette: A cluster of leaves which grow straight from the base of a plant, rather than the stem. Many rosettes stay green through the winter.